At the meeting has all participants which included Directorate of Fisheries, Tuna Association at 03 provinces (Binh Dinh, Phu Yen and Khanh Hoa), WWF Vietnam, VINATUNA, tuna importers and local processors.

Mr. Vu Dinh Dap – Chairman of VINATUNA is welcoming and opening speech at the meeting

Following the report of WWF Vietnam on this meeting, FIP progress has steps to creating positive change, but the FIP progress is slow by many subjective and objective factors. Yellowfin Tuna Fisheries at Vietnam will be get MSC certified by approximately 2019. The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) is an international non-profit organisation. They use the blue MSC label for Vietnam tuna fishery when : 1) Ensure tuna catches do not exceed sustainable levels; 2) Promote an ecosystem-based approach to fisheries management; 3) And strengthen governance).

On 2016, the FIP progress has implemented many important works on following points: training for 11 observers to work on tuna fisheries’ vessel, propagandize for fishers to using Cicle hooks to protect ETPs (ETPs are endagered, threatened and protected species), conduct the training workshops for fishers at Binh Dinh, Phu Yen anh Khanh Hoa to increase awareness about responsibly exploit fish stocks and protect ecosystem.  

Otherwise, VINATUNA cooperation with ICAFIS (International Collaborating Center for Aquaculture and Fisheries Sustainablility) to piloting the traceability system to separation between FIP and non-FIP tuna fish. In short term 2017, the new traceability system will piloting for 05 tuna processor and conduct for all of processors in Vietnam on near future.

Mr. Keith Symington – International coordinator of Vietnam Tuna FIP is  presenting at the meeting

At the meeting, representative of WWF Vietnam has showed rights and duties of tuna processors when they joined the FIP program. On FIP progress, there are all of tuna processors in Vietnam will be have FIP code on boxes when export for 09 tuna importers (Anova Food USA, Coral Sea Fishing, Simplot Australia, Western United Fish Company, Hilo Fish, Lotus Seafood, Norpac Fisheries Export, Culimer BV, Sea Delight) which has finacial for FIP progress at Vietnam, otherwise, Vietnam tuna processors can export their products to other importers but they are not allowed to use FIP code on boxes.

Mr. Tuong Phi Lai – National consultant of WWF Vietnam is presenting at meeting

At the meeting, all of representatives are deeply agreed to revice activities regulations, resource human of Vietnam Tuna Consultation Council (VTCC) to support for VINATUNA on advisor, orientation and recommendation about tuna products.

Representatives are discussing at the  meeting

         At the end of meeting, Chairman of VINATUNA is appreciated the results of Vietnam tuna FIP progress. We would like to thank the stakeholders for the support and we hope Vietnam tuna will get MSC certified on 2019./.